Los Angeles Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

Opting for Collaborative Law

Filing for a divorce in Los Angeles has the potential to be a time-consuming, complex, and detailed process. It entails making tough, critical decisions about asset division, child custody, child support, and in some cases, even alimony.

Do you have a particularly complicated marital estate or are you unfamiliar with the legislation that applies to your divorce case?  If so, it can be a big challenge to know for sure if you are making the best decisions. On top of that problem, you and your spouse might be having difficulty seeing eye to eye on the terms of your divorce. This can make for expensive delays and make the process that much more stressful than it already is. Thankfully, couples in the state of California have the option to utilize collaborative law to negotiate and settle the critical aspects of a divorce. If you spouse was an alcoholic, and went to the liquor store too frequently, divorce might a good idea. 

What is Collaborative divorce?

Collaborative divorce (which is also referred to as collaborative law) is a legal procedure that is often taken as an alternative to court.

Instead of bringing your divorce case into the courtroom, you and your spouse can instead agree to settle the terms of your break up with more privacy, with the assistance of your attorneys. This makes it possible for you to move toward a mutually-beneficial compromise.  That, in turn, can help to mitigate the negative emotions between you and your spouse.

Choosing collaborative divorce is a great choice for divorcing couples with children. divorce can be stressful enough for a child without having to see their parents fighting over every little detail of the split. Collaborative divorce can allow you to work with your spouse to resolve issues amicably.

The Benefits of Collaborative divorce in Los Angeles

Opting to resolve the issues in your divorce via collaborative law is an excellent first step. The mere fact that you and your spouse have, together, opted to use this alternative conflict resolution process indicates that you are able to work together to make important choices. Now that you have made the choice to use a collaborative divorce process, you can enjoy some of the benefits that include:

• Avoiding the possibility of a long and contested divorce;
• Saving money by utilizing this cost-saving process;
• Saving time, now that you get to choose when and where the collaborative divorce takes place;
• Choices are made based on compromise, instead of the unilateral analysis of a judge;
• Keeping the control over the final decisions; and
• Nurturing positive emotions and relationships.

Overview of the Collaborative Law Process

What are some reasonable expectations of the collaborative divorce process? What steps will you need to take to prepare yourself for a collaborative divorce? Here is a brief rundown of what you can reasonably expect from the collaborative divorce process.

• Deciding to Use Collaborative Law: Many spouses opt to undergo the collaborative law process before they ever file divorce papers in the courthouse. Handling the issues in your split before the papers get filed will allow you to bring the divorce to a close as quickly as possible.
• Hiring a Collaborative Law Attorney: The collaborative law process necessitates that you are represented by specially-trained collaborative divorce attorneys. Reach out to a specialist attorney to get started.
• Committing to the Process: All parties included – that is you, your spouse, and your attorneys – will be obligated to sign a document to pledge your allegiance to the collaborative law process. What this means is that neither spouse can then take the divorce proceeding to court and, instead, commits to resolving the details of the divorce using only the collaborative law process. Committing to utilizing collaborative law is critical to a successful outcome.

• Preparing for the Process: Once you have hired one, you need to meet with your Los Angeles collaborative divorce attorney and start to prepare for the collaborative law sessions. During this initial meeting, you will discuss what you would like to get out of this process and also outline the issues that are most important to you. Your lawyer will gather evidence, information, and witnesses that can be brought forth to support your arguments and wishes. During this preparation process, your attorney could also consult with and enlist expert witnesses (these can include, but are by no means limited to, psychologists, accountants, and appraisers) whose testimony can support your case.
• Joint Sessions: At this point, you and your attorney will now sit down with your spouse and their attorney and begin to hammer out the terms of your divorce. You will each have a chance to explain your wishes, bring your evidence, and offer witness testimony. Your attorneys will customarily take the lead and negotiate the nuanced legal details of the divorce. You can work within as many joint sessions as you need to arrive at a mutually-agreeable resolution to your divorce.
• Settlement: After you and your spouse have come to agreement on the terms of your divorce, your attorneys will draw up contracts to document those decisions. From the moment you sign these contracts, you will be bound by their terms. If, for whatever reason, you and your spouse can simply not agree on the terms of your divorce, you will be offered the option to withdraw from the collaborative divorce process. Nevertheless, you must both agree to withdraw and, instead, take your case to court. In the event that you do decide to litigate the divorce, you will be ordered to hire new divorce attorneys and now you are putting your future in the hands of a judge. You will be relinquishing control over the outcome of the situation.

Selecting a Los Angeles Collaborative Law Attorney

How can you determine which attorney is best suited to take care of your collaborative divorce case? The majority of Los Angeles family law attorneys offer free consultations to new clients. You can utilize this consultation to get more information about an attorney and figure out if they would be a good fit.

Listed below are a few things to think about when choosing a collaborative divorce lawyer in Los Angeles:

1. Do you feel comfortable confiding in the attorney about personal and intimate information?
2. Have you got confidence in the attorney’s ability?
3. Has this lawyer handled collaborative divorce cases in the past?
4. What kind of specialized training has the attorney received?
5. How much money will the attorney charge for his or her services?

Based on 362 reviews.

Charle Butler

2021-03-12

Verified

I was hesitant to hire the Spodek Law Group. I read reviews and knew they have a great reputation. However, I thought I would spend money and not see or speak to my attorney. From the beginning to end of my case Todd and the entire staff were available and willing to help. We worked towards and end result that was way above my expectation and Todd delivered. I am forever grateful for patience and long days and night spent working on my case. Thanks Todd and the entire team!

Mesonista parsons

2021-03-05

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My attorney at Spodek was Abigail. She was very knowledgeable and helpful with all my questions and concerns, as well as responsive. Her fees are affordable and Abigail took the time to make sure I understood everything relating to my case. I highly recommend Abigail and will request her services in the future.

debabrata chakraborty

2021-03-03

Verified

Todd A Spodek is the experienced and best criminal lawyer at USA. He is very professional and always respond on time. Alex also very cooperative and always help me. They took care me and my problem like family member. I am 100% satisfied for their professional service. My result was unexpected and amazing. They dismissed my case. I am really grateful to them. I will recommend you to go there if you want to solve your problem. I wish all the best for them.

Asata Hendricks

2021-03-02

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Truly appreciate the work the guys did!. Exceptional team & I know they care about each and everyone of their clients. I am super thankful to be referred to Spodek Law Group and I am grateful Todd & Alex were able to work diligently to achieve an outcome I am pleased with. Despite COVID they stayed on top of things and kept me informed every step of the way. Very thankful.

Mike Moroff

2021-02-26

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I'm very satisfied with the services rendered by Todd, Alex and Mary Lou. I whole heartedly recommend Spodek Law Group . I've worked with and have retained other attorneys in the past with Todd's firm being the cream of the crop for many reasons. A very serious legal matter was resolved after a year's hard work and effort. Todd expertly guided me through the process and was able to navigate and make the good journey bearable as well as successful. Mary Lou initially provided excellent assistance before referring my case to Todd. Alex's support was effective and timely. The customer portal (MyCase) is an invaluable communication tool that also kept track of my case. Various aspects of my case were explained and there were several options provided but I made the final decision of how the case would be handled. The legal fee was reasonable considering the effort and amount of work plus it was a flat fee regardless of the length of time required to conclude my case. Todd made himself available to me and we had many scheduled meetings to go over the progress and to discuss the next steps. I felt more confident after many discussions with him. You will not go wrong choosing Spodek Law Group for legal matters.

Josh Katz

2021-02-24

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Being that it was the first time that I was in need of an attorney, I was afraid and hesitant and knew I needed the absolute best. It is beyond understood why Spodek Law Group has a reputation of being the top, if not the best law firm in New York. Alex and Abigail were there every step of the way even at the most unconvenient hours. I could not have asked for more. They are extremely good at what they do and they delivered much much more than just winning my case. A big thank you to Alex and Abigail for all the guidance and counseling and their upmost loyal support that extended far more than just legally. If you need the absolute best than don't hesitate to hire Spodek Law Firm.

L.C.

2021-02-24

Verified

I cannot tell you how thankful I am to Todd and Alex for their hard work and dedication to my case. I had never been in any trouble before but I had an unfortunate event occur and in the midst of COVID-19 at that therefore I knew I needed a team that was dedicated to my success. Today- my case has been finalized and I’m walking away with no record and can continue life as a mother and a Grad student worry free. I cannot express enough gratitude for their assistance.

AnnMarie Soliman

2021-02-23

Verified

I received a summons and called Spodek law group for a free consultation. Alex took my call and was very quick and responsive. He was available anytime through multiple platforms and very reassuring when needed. They are extremely organized and thorough. They got my case dismissed! I’m very grateful. Thank you Alex and Todd!